Most people who have a heart attack wait too long to get medical help. Often, they are unfamiliar with heart attack symptoms, or they're worried that a false alarm will leave them embarrassed.

If you or someone near you has heart attack symptoms, call 911 right away to get to a hospital emergency room. Don't delay calling for any more than five minutes. Calling for emergency transportation is best, because emergency medical personnel can start treatment, such as oxygen, heart medications, and pain relievers, as soon as they arrive. If you have heart attack symptoms and can't call 911 for some reason, have someone else drive you to the emergency room. Never drive yourself unless you have no other option.

While you're waiting for an ambulance, here are other ways to help yourself or someone else having heart attack symptoms:

The person having symptoms of a heart attack should stop all activity and try to remain calm.

If you're having heart attack symptoms, consider chewing and swallowing an aspirin, but only if your doctor has previously instructed you to do so. Otherwise, don't.

If a person who might be having a heart attack becomes unconscious, start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). If you're not CPR-trained, the 911 dispatcher can talk you through the steps until help arrives.